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Florida manatees, Trichechus manatus latirostrus, inhabit the waters of Jacksonville year round, with highest concentrations occurring
during summer months. An endangered species protected under both the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, Florida manatees have been
the subject of state, federal, and university research since the enactment of these
conservation measures.

Due to the unfortunate reality of watercraft- caused manatee mortalities in Florida,
Florida's Governor and cabinet in 1989 identified thirteen counties (including Duval)
experiencing high mortality rates. These "key" counties were mandated to take positive
measures to reduce this problem, in the form of Manatee Protection Plans that would
address the multitude of threats facing manatees. In 1993, the City of Jacksonville
contracted Jacksonville University researchers, under the direction of Dr. A. Quinton
White, Jr., to gather scientific data for the development of an effective, enforceable
plan. The JU research has encompassed a multi-faceted, ongoing approach to data collection
including: year round aerial and aquatic manatee surveys, ship/boat/recreation water
activities, submerged aquatic vegetation and habitat mapping, and educational efforts.
An extension of this effort is the MaRCO web site.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the site and learn more about these gentle creatures.
Area schools are encouaged to use the site as part of their lessons on the environment,
biology or ecology. Teachers interested in partnering with this project are encouraged
to contact Dr. Quinton White at qwhite@ju.edu.